Bartolome Island

What a day! Early in the morning we disembark for our first landing on Bartolome Island, an island that we naturalists call the “open book of geology.” Bartolome is a bit of a misfit even in Galápagos, since it is both barren and old. The volcanic ash and lava landscape of Bartolome makes for a wonderful start to an expedition in the “Enchanted Islands.” The summit of Bartolome is an excellent spot for a group picture. Today we were joking about taking both “before and after pictures;” no doubt this picture and this DER will remind us of our visit to Bartolome.

Yes, what a day we had! After the early hike we returned to the Islander and were provided with snorkel equipment. From the shore we had a chance to swim and snorkel with marine specie that are unique to Galápagos; among these we saw penguins, sharks, sea lions, and colorful reef fish.

Back on board we enjoyed a typical Ecuadorian buffet lunch, which is known both for its tasty flavors and its calories…Ha ha! Meanwhile, the captain and crew took the good ship Islander to our next destination, James or Santiago Island.

Our second snorkel outing today was from a beautiful black beach in Puerto Egas. Afterwards we walked along a trail close to the intertidal zone. At low tide and with the sunset’s soft light, we could not ask for more lovely conditions. Puerto Egas was at its finest and both our cameras and our smiles reflected the joy of our spirits. Etched forever in our memories are the moments we spent with the unique and fearless creatures of this archipelago. Right next to us, feeding, resting, and coexisting in harmony with one another. We admired bright red Sally Lightfoot crabs, slow moving marine iguanas, wading birds of several species, and we spotted sea urchins, and fish in the tidal pools. The barren but beautiful volcanic landscape invited us to coexist, and to relax.

This DER is dedicated to all our guests, past, present and future. Those of you who have experienced Galápagos can close your eyes and remember the warm breeze, and the heat of the equatorial sun, the echo of waves and barking of the sea lions. Here both the sounds and the breeze caress you. Once you have experienced the Galápagos, even if you leave them, the “Enchanted Islands” will never leave you.

And to those of you who have not yet come…see you soon!